LSU safety A.J. Haulcy to sit the first half against Clemson, coach Brian Kelly confirms

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — LSU safety A.J. Haulcy, a transfer from Houston and a projected starter this season, will not be eligible to play in the first half of Saturday night’s season opener against Clemson because he was ejected from his last game of last season for fighting.

Under NCAA rules, an ejection for fighting carries a one-half suspension in the player's next game, even if the game is played the following season and the player has switched teams.

LSU coach Brian Kelly confirmed on his radio show Thursday night that he'd received confirmation from the NCAA regarding Haulcy's half-game suspension.

Haulcy fought with BYU wide receiver Darius Lassiter during the final minutes of a 30-18 loss to the Cougars last Nov. 30.

“It’s unfortunate,” Kelly said. “We can’t sit here and complain because the decision’s been made, so let’s move on.”

Haulcy was projected to start along with safety Tamarcus Cooley, a transfer from North Carolina State.

Other safeties on LSU's roster who could start in Haulcy's place include senior Jardin Gilbert, sophomore Dashawn Spears and junior Javien Toviano.

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FILE - Houston defensive back A.J. Haulcy in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, on Nov. 15, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)

DENVER (AP) — Versatile infielder/outfielder Willi Castro and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a $12.8 million, two-year deal Thursday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.

Castro spent last season with the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs, where he hit a combined .226 with 11 homers and 33 RBIs. He played all three outfield spots last season in addition to seeing time at third and shortstop. He even pitched an inning while with the Twins.

The 28-year-old Castro made his major league debut on Aug. 24, 2019, while with Detroit. He spent four seasons with the Tigers before joining the Twins, where he was an All-Star in 2024. He was traded to the Cubs last July.

Earlier in the day, the Rockies finalized the signing of right-handed starter Michael Lorenzen to an $8 million, one-year contract. The deal includes a $9 million club option for 2027. Right-hander Bradley Blalock was designated for assignment to open a roster spot.

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FILE - Chicago Cubs' Willi Castro (1) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sept. 5, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)